Base of historic bell outside Christ Church damaged in Old City

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It was a disappointing discovery in Old City as a vandal damaged the base of a historic bell.

That bell was created by the same foundry that produced the Liberty Bell. It stands just outside Christ Church at North American and Filbert in Old City.

“Christ Church was founded in 1695, right at the beginnings of Philadelphia,” said Christ Church Preservation Trust Executive Director Zack Biro.

The church was a place of worship for some of America’s Founding Fathers.

“George Washington, John Adams being the first presidents, they worshipped at Christ Church as well,” said Biro.

“This is very cool as far as the history goes,” said Gennelle Dedek, a tourist from Los Angeles.

In addition to attracting tourists, the church also recently attracted a vandal.

“Someone took bricks and threw them at the bell, we think. They ended up hitting the base,” said Biro.

The vandal cracked the marble foundation that holds the church’s historic bell, known as the 1702 Bell.

“We’re still not sure if it was one person, a group of people,” said Biro.

A photo that was taken right after the crack was discovered shows the three bricks that were likely thrown still at its base.

Officials with the church’s preservation trust are assessing whether the bell itself has damage. While inspecting the bell after the vandalism, they did see some scuff marks, but couldn’t tell for sure if those marks were the result of vandalism.

The bell has an incredible history, dating all the way back to 1702.

“It was forged in 1702 in White Chapel, England, the same foundry where the Liberty Bell was later forged about 50 years later, so it’s kind of the older cousin of the Liberty Bell,” said Biro.

National Park Service Police are investigating. They’ll be looking at surveillance video from nearby.

The marble base, which is less than a year old, is insured, but there’s not yet an estimate of how much it’ll cost to repair.

Supporters are already reaching out.

“A lot of people are offering to help and donate,” said Biro.

He adds that, once there is an estimated cost, the trust will set up a way for people to give. In the meantime, he directs anyone interested in helping to visit the church’s website at christchurchphila.org.

As Christ Church Preservation Trust makes plans to repair the base, they also plan to keep the bell exactly where it is, continuing to share three centuries of history.

“It’s an important part not just of Christ Church history but the history of the community,” said Biro, “and we want people to be proud of it and come see it.”